Low light level digital camera quality assessment

Abstract

Imaging sensor development results, achieved in the past four decades, provide increased camera capabilities both in day and night conditions. Due to advanced camera performances, we are experiencing a wide application of the imaging sensors in various areas, e.g. machine vision, mobile technology, autonomous vehicle driving, smart city scenarios, and scientific imaging. Low light level sensitivity, supporting camera night vision capability, leads to new applications in the security systems. Accordingly, the new needs of the camera testing procedures appear. Advanced camera performances also require a new approach to imaging sensor and camera testing and parameter definition. The short review of the current achievements in the area of low light camera technology developments is presented as a basis to illustrate the importance of their application and proper metrological support development. The review of the most important low light camera parameters and related measurement and testing methods is set to point out the needs for new low light camera testing procedures development.

Keywords

• low light level camera technology
• nigh vision
• camera quality parameters
• camera testing procedures
• contrast transfer function
• camera sensitivity
• camera resolution